Student Researchers

Student Researchers

The National Aviary is committed to educating, training, and mentoring the next generation of conservation leaders These graduate students have been mentored by conservation ornithologists at the National Aviary through a formal membership on their graduate committee and through ongoing collaborative research. 

The National Aviary recognizes the importance of education and the need for advance training of the next generation of conservation leaders. The following graduate students have been mentored by conservation ornithologists at the National Aviary through formal membership on their graduate committee, and through on-going collaborative research:

 Brandon Hoenig, Duquesne University, Ph.D., “Molecular determination of nestling diet and development.”

Mack Frantz, West Virginia University, Ph.D. “Demographic, spatial, and epigenetic response of the Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) to shale gas development.”

Brian K. Trevelline, Duquesne University, Ph.D., 2017. “Niche partitioning and trophic dynamics of songbird communities in impacted and unimpacted riparian ecosystems.”

Andrea Thomen, Syracuse University, M.S., 2014. Evaluating avian assemblages in Dominican cacao farms: Implications for management and conservation.

Boris Tinoco, Stony Brook University, Ph.D., 2014. “Understanding the influence of habitat alteration on hummingbird species using a multi-level analysis approach”

Brian K. Trevelline, Duquesne University, M.S., 2013. “Evaluation of DNA barcoding as a technique for elucidating the diet of Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) nestlings.

Jessie Knowlton, Stony Brook University, Ph.D., 2010. “Mixed-species flock ecology and conservation in the highly threatened Tumbesian Region of Ecuador.”

In The News

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National Aviary to turn former Shady Side Academy Middle School into new conservancy thanks to local | WPXI

The National Aviary, based on the North Side of Pittsburgh, will soon embark on creating a brand new facility, thanks to a local benefactor.

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New National Aviary Veterinary Care and Conservation Center to Open in Fox Chapel | Pittsburgh Magazine

What aims to be a world-class avian conservation center that will revolutionize avian veterinary care and the conservation of threatened and endangered birds around the world is taking flight in Fox Chapel.

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National Aviary to receive old Shady Side Academy middle school campus by donation | MSN

Fox Chapel resident and 1962 graduate S. Kent Rockwell is working to acquire Shady Side Academy middle school and plans to have the 35-acre middle school campus donated to the Aviary via the SK Rockwell Conservancy.

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National Aviary to turn former Shady Side Academy Middle School into new conservancy thanks to local philanthropist | Pittsburgh Business Times

In addition to donating the property, the SK Rockwell Conservancy plans to donate $10 million to support the programs that occur at the facility once it is open.

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National Aviary to receive old Shady Side Academy middle school campus by donation | WTAE

A Pittsburgh resident and alumni of Shady Side Academy is helping the National Aviary find a new nest for its next breeding and conservation center, teaching hospital and educational space.

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